Moscow to Goa Azur Air flight bomb scare was a hoax, plane cleared for takeoff
On January 9, an Azur Air flight from Moscow to Goa made an emergency landing in Jamnagar IAF base, Gujarat after Indian Aviation authorities received an email alleging a bomb threat on the flight. After hours of inspection, frisking of passengers, and checking every bag, authorities have not found any suspicious object or bomb on the flight.
- Airport authorities now say that the flight will be allowed to leave for Goa' Dabolim airport at around 10 am.
- On the other hand, security was also beefed up at Dabolim airport in Goa.
Passengers: The flight was carrying 236 passengers and 8 crew members. Everyone is reported to be safe.
Timeline of the incident:
January 9
10 pm: Flight makes emergency landing at Jamnagar airport
10.15 pm: Crew asked to de-board all passengers
10.20/10.30 pm: Security forces, bomb squad, fire brigade teams and ambulances reach the airport
10.30 pm: All passengers evacuated and taken to safety (away from the flight)
January 10
Till 12 am: Police and other teams carry out thorough checking
12.30 am: National Security Guard reaches site
2.20 am: Checking continues
9.30 am: Bomb threat concluded a hoax, flight cleared for take off
What the Russian Embassy said:
What Azur Air said:
What happened? The Moscow to Goa flight made an emergency landing after the Goa Air Traffic Control received an email claiming there was a bomb on the flight.
- The flight landed at Jamnagar IAF base, which was cordoned off for 9 hours as security officials thoroughly checked the plane, passengers and cargo.
- A bomb squad, fire brigade teams, CISF officials, Jamnagar Collector and the superintendent of police were all present on the site.
- The passengers and crew were de-boarded and accommodated at the lounge area of the airport.
- No suspicious object or bomb was found on the flight and the flight is set to continue toward its destination.
While hoax bomb threats are often made, authorities take no chance while investigating the claims. However, those who make the hoax threats face stringent punishment under Indian law. There have been several instances where miscreants have been punished with life terms for making such serious claims.